Gabriella V. (Stefanini) Morton, 81, passed peacefully on Sunday, June 25, 2017, at home in Orem surrounded by the love of friends and family. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, friend and caring “Nonna”. Born in Treviso, Italy, in 1936, she was the daughter of Angelo Stefanini and Louisa Bordignon. Immigrating to Toronto, Canada, by boat when she was 20 years old she learned English and became a Canadian citizen but her Italian charm was evident to all she touched and she always greeted people with an enthusiastic “ciao!” Together with her older brother Massimiliano, she helped pave the way for her parents and younger brother Robert to follow to Canada. In Toronto, she met the absolute love of her life Gordon George Morton on a blind date and together they had five children: Gordon (Rachel), Joe (Caryn), David (Celine), Michael (Annette) and Daniela (Jon).

Gordon and Gabriella moved their young family from Toronto to the rural farming community of Shelburne, Ontario, Canada, and spent many joy filled years in “Fiddleville” where they raised chickens, vegetables and, most importantly, a family. These incredible, joy-filled years forever forged the character of the Morton family. Gabriella’s kitchen was always a place of love and laughter and music and, of course, the smell of Italian cooking. Wonderful Canadian memories of dirt roads, and forests, and going to church, and hockey on the pond, and tree forts, and health food. Together with her husband, they created a household of pure love with creativity and the unlimited ability to dream. For years, Gabriella owned and operated her own little health food store, “Gabriella’s Health Shoppe,” in neighboring Orangeville, Ontario. Gabri and Gordon’s passion for healthy food and living would go on to directly, and indirectly, influence countless lives around the world.

Gabri and Gordon eventually settled in Orem, Utah, where she primarily resided for the past 20 years. She eventually naturalized as an American Citizen and in 2008. She, and her husband, spent 18 months of volunteer service in Trinidad and Tobago for the LDS Church where they made many friends and memories. In recent years, Gabri and Gordon would leave Utah in winter months to live on the North Shore of Oahu. Her little Lanai was her winter sanctuary. To her Hawaiian “ohana,” she was simply known as “Mamma G”. Daily walks in Kahuku forest with Papa G and “talking story” with Mimo were so special to her in recent years.

She is survived by her husband, children, two brothers, and 18 adoring grandchildren. With deep gratitude and love, her family releases her onward and upward for the next chapter. Ciao Bella! Ti vogliamo bene!

A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 2017, at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary located at 495 South State Street, Orem, Utah. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, 2017, at the Cascade 5th LDS Ward Building located at 1051 East 200 North, Orem, Utah, with a viewing 9:30-10:30 a.m. Burial will be immediately following the funeral services at Orem City Cemetery.

Condolences for the family may be left on this page.

“Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8